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what is a spur in electrical wiring

by Ms. Zula Armstrong Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

A fused spur is an electrical supply accessory that incorporates a fuse. This fuse, with a lower rating than the fuse for a ring man, allows an electrical supply using one feed cable to a socket to be taken off a ring main.30-Apr-2021

What is a spur in electrical terms?

Spur - An electrical supply using one feed cable to a socket taken off a ring main usually used to achieve an extra socket without having to do too much work. See also Fused Spur.

How do I know if a socket is a spur?

A general rule for a ring main is that if you only have two cables in the back of an existing socket then it is ok to spur. However, if you have a radial circuit with two cables coming in and out, this may be the last socket on that circuit and already has a spur.

How many sockets can be on a spur?

one spurHow Many Sockets Can Be on a Spur? Only one spur can be connected to a single socket.

Why do you need a fused spur?

A Fused Spur Switch is commonly used for powerful electrical appliances, such as washing machines and dish washers that need to be installed without a plug; they are also used for electrical items that need to be installed on a separate cable from the ring main, for safety and maintenance purposes.

How do you fuse a spur?

4:579:31Fused connection Unit Wiring FCU How to wire Fused Spur - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMachine. This needs single sockets under the worktop. So obviously you can take the cable straightMoreMachine. This needs single sockets under the worktop. So obviously you can take the cable straight from the this circuit outlets which is on the ring. And connected here as a few spare.

How do you identify a spur?

You can spot a spur on the map quite easily - it looks like a long, narrow tongue of contour lines, dropping away from a mountain top or a ridge. Usually its sides will be quite steep, but its top will slope gently downwards.

Is it OK to spur off a socket?

You mustn't run a spur from a socket that's already on a spur, or that already supplies a spur. And the new socket mustn't extend the floor area served by the circuit beyond 100 square metres.

Can two Spurs be off one socket?

Only one fused spur may be taken from any socket on a ring. From that fused spur you can have as many electrical outlets as you like, as they are then protected by the fuse.17-Aug-2008

Can I run two sockets off a fused spur?

You can change the socket to a 13A fused spur and it is possible to run a double socket up the wall for the TV provided it is properly protected. ... You can actually have as many sockets as you wish from a fused spur as you will only ever be able to draw 13amps.29-Jul-2015

Does a fused spur need a switch?

For safety and maintenance purposes, these sorts of appliances may require installation on a separate cable from the ring main. Switched fused spurs include a manual on/off switch, while unswitched fused spurs do not.30-Apr-2021

Can I install a fused spur myself?

As long as the job isn't within a 'special location' such as a bathroom or outdoors, you're also allowed to install additional new light fittings, switches, sockets and even add a single fused spur to an existing circuit (a 'spur' is a new cable and socket run as a branch from an existing socket on the ring main).

Can a fused spur be changed to a plug socket?

Hi. There is no problem removing 13amp fused spurs and replacing with socket outlets. You just need to ensure that those circuits (fuses/mcb's) are backed up by a 30ma RCD as they will now be used to supply mobile equipment rather than fixed.27-Feb-2018

What is a Fused Spur?

A fused spur is a device used to ensure isolation from your main electricity supply. They directly link an electrical cable to a high-voltage appli...

How does a Fused Spur work?

A fused spur is used as an alternative to a plug and socket. Due to this, they can allow the higher voltage appliance to operate on a single cable...

What are the Different Types of Fused Spurs?

There are four common types of fused spurs such as; Switch Fused Spur, Non-Switch Fused Spur, Single Pole Fused Spur and a Double Pole Fused Spur.

Can a spur be connected to a socket?

A spur can be connected to an existing socket, on either a ring main or a radial circuit , providing that socket does not already have a spur. That is only one spur per socket is allowed and the number of spurs must not exceed the number of sockets. If this is necessary in any part of your home the only way you can do this is by adding another ring ...

Can you spur a ring main?

A general rule for a ring main is that if you only have two cables in the back of an existing socket then it is ok to spur. However, if you have a radial circuit with two cables coming in and out, this may be the last socket on that circuit and already has a spur.

Can you spur a cable?

If there are 3 cables coming out of any socket then it is not ok to spur. A spur can be added to any part of the circuit providing the rules above are followed. If there is not an existing socket near enough, you can connect into the cable by means of a junction box for your new spur.

What is a 30 amp junction box?

Junction boxes come rated for different uses by the amps they are allowed to carry. A 30amp junction box should be used on a ring or radial circuit feeding sockets only. The junction box must be fixed solidly to a suitable surface and must not just "float around suspended by the cables it joins.

Can you bury cables in the wall?

If you bury cables in the wall they must only run vertically, not horizontally. Cables may be placed in floor or ceiling voids but not amidst, or wrapped in, insulation where they may become too hot. Please also check the rules very carefully for ring mains and radial circuits.

What is a Fused Spur?

A fused spur is a device used to ensure isolation from your main electricity supply. They directly link an electrical cable to a high-voltage appliance, so they eliminate the need for a plug and socket. You can put either a 3, 5 or 13 amp fuse in the fuse holder depending on the power consumption of the appliance you are protecting.

Where Do You Find a Fused Spur?

As we mentioned earlier, fused spurs are used in all types of properties including, domestic and commercial. If you want to find one in your home, then you’re best to go into the kitchen. The fused spur is that switch to the left or right of your oven, which needs to be turned so you can cook your dinner.

How Does a Fused Spur Work?

A fused spur is used as an alternative to a plug and socket. Due to this, they can allow the higher voltage appliance to operate on a single cable outside of the ring main. Also because they use a fuse, they protect against shocks in the event of an excessive current. This means that they offer an extra safety element.

What are the Different Types of Fused Spurs?

Switch Fused Spur- Commonly found in the kitchen to control appliances like ovens and dishwashers.

The Simple Guide to Fused Spurs

We hope this article has been able to answer your question of ‘what is a fused spur?’ It’s important to remember that they are technical components. As such, they should only be installed/uninstalled by qualified electricians. This helps to keep you safe and your appliances working correctly.

What is spur cable?

Spur from existing socket outlet. A single cable is added from the new socket, and connects to an existing socket on the ring. A spur can alternatively be connected at the consumer unit, which although might seem incorrect, is actually no different to connecting to an existing socket outlet.

How many cables are in a spur socket?

The spur socket only has a single cable, with the connections to Live, Neutral and Earth. This is exactly the same as connecting at the end of a radial circuit. The other end of the cable connects to a socket on the ring, so there will be three cables in that socket.

Can you connect a socket to a spur?

Only one socket outlet can be connected to a spur. (This can be a single or double outlet). Connecting a further outlet is NOT permitted, as this could overload the single cable supplying it. Each socket outlet or junction box on the ring can only have one spur connected.

Why is it so hard to connect two wires?

Trying to connect two or more is not only very difficult due to the number of wires involved, it can also result in an abnormally high load at that point in the ring. The number of spurs on the ring must not exceed the number of other socket outlets. If for some reason you need a large number of spurs, it is time to replace ...

What is an amp?

Ampere (A or Amp) - Unit of electrical current. Either how much electricity an appliance will use, or a circuit (fuse, mcb, cable, connectors etc) can handle. Fuses are always rated by current as are cables. Each appliance will have an Amp rating or if only a wattage is quoted, Amps = Wattage/Voltage.

What is bonding in construction?

Bonding - The process by which all metal parts in a buildings are electrically connected together and then linked to a real earth. This is done to prevent any metal component within a building becoming dangerous should it become live due to an electrical fault or damage.

What is part P of the Building Regulations?

Building Regulations - Part P of the Building Regulations covers the installation and modification of electrical wiring - applies to England and Wales. see Part P.

What does CE stand for in a fuse?

If the fuse blows, the cartridge is replaced. See Fuse. CE marking - The initials "CE" do not stand for any specific words but are a declaration by the manufacturer that his product (which can range from Stuffed Toys to Electrical equipment) meets the requirements of any relevant European Directive (s).

What is a circuit breaker?

Circuit Breaker - A switch like device with a pre-set current limit used to protect a circuit from electrical overload.

What is a CPC wire?

Circuit protective conductor (CPC) - A name used for the protective earth wiring of all metal parts of a building (see Earthing ). Conduit - A pipe or tubing used to house cable. In walls to switches and socket usually oval and plastic in modern houses, or round and metal in older ones.

What is DC in electrical?

Direct current (DC) - Unlike Alternating Current, the flow of electricity does not alternate - it flows in just one direction. Normally used in low voltage electronic circuits and computers etc around the house and is usually derived from the alternating mains via a power supply.

Step Two

Strip 3/8 inch of insulation off the three conductors in the supply and the branch wire with wire strippers.

Step Three

Loosen the ground screw in the back of the electrical box and wrap both green or bare wires around this screw. Tighten the terminal down with a screwdriver.

Step Four

Wrap the black supply wire around the fused spur's supply live (L IN) terminal and tighten it down.

Step Five

Wrap the white neutral supply wire around the fused spur's supply neutral (N IN) terminal and tighten it down.

Step Six

Wrap the black branch wire around the fused spur's live out (L OUT) terminal and tighten it down.

Step Seven

Wrap the white branch wire around the fused spur's neutral out (N OUT) terminal and tighten it down.

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